Stroke in Hispanic veterans: a descriptive study.

Background: Differences in risk factor prevalence and distribution of atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease have been reported among different racial-ethnic groups. Identification of stroke syndromes and risk factors specific to the Puerto Rican male population should lead to more effective diagnosis, treatment, and prevention programs.

Methods: We prospectively and consecutively evaluated 118 Hispanic male veterans admitted to our Stroke Unit from June 1994 to September 1995.

Results: Ninety patients (76%) had an ischemic infarct, 26 (22%) had a transient ischemic attack, and 2 (2%) had an intracerebral and/or subarachnoid hemorrhage. Hypertension was the most common risk factor. Echocardiographic studies were done in 64% of the patients, and the most common findings were concentric left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction. Cerebral angiography was done in 40 cases, and findings were abnormal in 32 (80%).

Conclusions: We believe this is the largest descriptive study of Hispanic male veterans with stroke syndromes. It provides baseline data to serve as a comparison group for future research.